The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Big Sandy Schools is relaunching its adult education opportunities for the community. As 2023 drew to a close, the school stepped away from Covid era policies that limited facility usage for the community, which has opened the door for resuming the program. Some classes are already being offered and more are sure to be available as 2024 gets under way.

I spoke with Dan Schrock, the school superintendent, about the changes: “We have an adult education levy that we run annually in support of adult education. With that levy there’s an obligation that we do our best to partner with our community and offer adults opportunities to utilize the facilities.”

“I’m really excited about it. It has been years in the making. We’re hoping to start this after the first of the year. So January first, when everybody makes their New Year’s resolution to try to do better with respect to their health and wellness,” the school will be creating space for them to engage in learning opportunities to enhance their efforts. “I’m really thankful that the trustees see that need and support that partnership with the community. I was happy to work with them to make sure that we’re doing this the right way.” Discussions on the matter dealing with policies, liability coverage for visitors, and other matters have finally been completed and the school is ready to go with the new program.

The program opens the school facility for adult education classes for those who “come in and sign up with the office would receive access to our facility through a program that controls our doors. The hours of operation for community members over the age of 18 years of age is from 4:30 to 7:30 in the morning and then 7 to 10 pm. On weekends (the hours of availability) would be 4:30am to 10pm. The only exception to those hours would be student use, which comes first and if we have activities or other events that are being held here in our facility that would limit their access.”

In terms of classes available for adults looking to learn a new skill, there is already a swing dance class being taught at FE Miley Elementary School. “Annette Morganti, who works at the IX, is teaching an adult swing country dance class, which she started in November. She does that bi-weekly over at the elementary school on Saturday nights.” Dan also pointed out that because of community support, there is little in the way of associated expenses for the program, apart from paying Miss Morganti. This means that that they are able to offer the classes for free to community members. “So if a couple was interested in learning to swing dance or maybe two step, this would be an opportunity for them…”

If you have the ability to teach word processing courses, computer classes, photography, wood working, writing, speaking, or whatever gifts you may have that members of our community might be interested in learning, this is an opportunity to share it with the community. “ Dan explained: “We’d be happy to partner with them to make that happen.” Individuals interested in teaching classes can contact Dan Schrock at the High School to start the process of setting up a class. “If someone in the community is passionate about paying it forward, I’d love to have a conversation with them. I’m happy to work with people in the community, or if they have ideas that they want to present to me.”

For information about upcoming adult education opportunities, watch the school’s website and for promotions in the community. “I think it’s a really good thing for the community. It’s always in the best interest of the school district to be proactive in trying to partner with the community.”